Psoas abscess is a collection of pus (abscess) in the Iliopsoas compartment.
Causes
Psoas abscess may be caused by
Pott disease, vertebral osteomyelitis, and pyelonephritis. Patients with Crohn's disease,
diabetes, or
Immunodeficiency states are at a higher risk of developing a psoas abscess.
Symptoms
Symptoms include flank pain,
fever, and an inguinal mass. A positive
psoas sign should raise suspicion of psoas abscess as a possibility. Owing to the
proximal attachments of the iliopsoas, such an abscess may drain
inferiorly into the upper medial thigh and present as a swelling in the region. The sheath of the muscle arises from the
lumbar vertebrae and the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae. The disc is more susceptible to infection, from
tuberculosis and
Salmonella discitis. The infection can spread into the
psoas muscle sheath.
Treatment
Treatment may involve drainage and
antibiotics.
Additional images
See also
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